Senior Payload Integration Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ownership of the payload-to-launch vehicle mechanical, electrical, and fluid interfaces plus payload separation systems, including managing ABL’s relationships with separation system vendors
• Development of payload accommodation designs for new payload interfaces considering vehicle design, manufacturability, testability, and integration/launch concept of operations, performed in coordination with other ABL engineering disciplines such as Vehicle Structures and Avionics
• Development and ownership of mission-specific systems, payload-to-launch vehicle processing plans, and integration and test procedures
• Perform and lead hands-on activities including hardware integration, customer fit checks, and launch site operations
• Design mechanical or electrical ground support equipment (GSE) to conduct tests and perform operations
• Technical representative in customer meetings for payload integration and/or processing discussions
• Coordination with engineers from many disciplines to optimize proposed mission unique designs for integration, testing, and manufacturability

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical engineering or related technical field
• 5+ years prior engineering experience in related field such as integration & test, hardware design, or launch engineering for spacecraft or rockets
• Experience developing test plans and procedures from requirements
• Experience using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software (such as NX, Solidworks, Altium)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years hands-on mechanical and/or electrical integration experience on spacecraft or launch vehicles
• Experience as a test conductor during lift operations, vehicle powered-on internal checkouts, separation system testing, or comprehensive system tests
• Prior direct coordination experience with external customers
• Prior project experience working with the US Government
• Driven, highly motivated, and committed to improvement
• Experience with HVAC/Environmental Control Systems (ECS)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to work extended hours to meet milestones and deadlines
• Willingness to travel for launch and customer-related activities (up to 30% time)
• Active TS/SCI or DoD Secret clearance, or willingness to pursue a clearance

WHAT WE LOOK FOR:

• Critical thinking:  ABL engineers understand the “why” behind all design decisions, operational events and test outcomes
• Ability to deal with ambiguity: ABL engineers must be comfortable defining their own pathway to an objective
• End-to end ownership:  projects are delivered fully complete and ready for flight

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENTS:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
• Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and telepresence
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment